Bart De Wever, president of the N-VA and federal formateur, remains a candidate for the position of mayor of Antwerp, a role he has held since 2012.
De Wever has stated he will only consider the Prime Minister role if there is a prospect of a strong federal government.
“I don’t dream of the Prime Minister position. It must be a good government, or I won’t lead it at all,” he said on the VRT programme “De Zevende Dag.”
On August 22, the first phase of forming a federal government failed, prompting De Wever to step down. After mediation by Engagés president Maxime Prévot, he resumed his role.
A majority “Arizona” coalition comprising the N-VA, MR, Engagés, Vooruit, and CD&V, is not expected to be formed in the Chamber until after the municipal elections on October 13.
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De Wever acknowledged the previous failure. “It’s far from certain that this formula will happen with me as Prime Minister. It’s fifty-fifty,” he remarked.
The Flemish nationalist seeks to establish a government that implements different immigration policies, restores public finances, and enacts socio-economic reforms.
“If the substance is to be emptied, it’s not worth it. I’m not Alexander De Croo. Becoming Prime Minister isn’t my big dream.”
